Joseph F. Blando, 83, of Milford, beloved husband of the late Kathleen Blando, passed away on November 15, 2024 at his home surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on January 26, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph and Frances Blando.
Joseph was a proud Italian American who graduated from Ansonia High School in 1958. He was a Charger through and through, or more specifically a Lavender who graduated as a three-sport athlete. He returned almost every year, eventually with his children for the Thanksgiving Day game tradition. And we’re sure he would want you to know that this is a series in which Ansonia leads 75 – 39-10.
His love for sports didn’t subside when he enlisted in the Marines in 1959 and played baseball for the jarheads as they travelled the country. Eventually stationed in Japan, his major role as a marine was in communications — translating morse code into written messages.
Joe returned home to Ansonia after his service, as he never strayed too far from his mother’s cooking. He made a career as a machinist like his father at the Textron Lycoming/Avco facility in Stratford, where he would meet the love of his life. He went on to marry Kathleen Miller in June of 1972.
They settled in Milford where they raised their two daughters whose own sport’s achievements he helped mold from the time they were toddlers. His job as a husband he took seriously, specifically when his wife incurred severe medical problems during mid-life. Never leaving her side, he was the picture of loyalty and care during her good and not-so-great-days.
Everyone who met Joe would say similar things. He was charming, he was funny, and quick with a joke, even when it might land him in a bit of trouble. His nephews donned him ‘Joe Cool’ a nickname which never seemed to leave.
Not surprisingly as he got older his favorite pastimes were watching sports and watching his kids and grandkids play. He never missed a game, or an opportunity for a critique on the ride home. In the 2000s, he was enjoying the retired life of spending time with his friends, watching his grandchildren grow up, home improvement projects, and walking with his lifelong friend Pete. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings 9am sharp — they would set off for hour’s long walks by the beaches of West Haven or the heights of Sleeping Giant.
Joseph leaves behind his children, Kathy Loewenberg (Jason Forster), Kristen Jacquet (Jennifer Jacquet), grandchildren Kailey Dillman (Jack Dillman), Mia Loewenberg, their father Daniel Loewenberg; and Cayden Jacquet; siblings, Frank (Joanne) Blando and Virginia (Edward) McGoe; sister- in-law Joan Wheeler (Mark Wheeler), brother-in-law David Miller (Ann Miller) and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joseph fought a medical battle over the last few years where many people came into his life whom were integral to his care and comfort. The family would like to thank those individuals, especially Jason, Shane, and Rhonda for the extreme lengths they went to take care of him during this time.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Church (Precious Blood Parish), 400 Merwin Ave., Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to https://www.tommyfund.org/. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
